Host a “Dear Elder” Mailbox

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Drop a letter, uplift someone’s day

Introducing our newest program! Dear Elder Mailboxes are letter-writing and drop-off stations where anyone can share kind handwritten notes with local senior communities. No stamps or delivery details needed—just write a note and drop it off right there! Anyone can start a Dear Elder Mailbox, including you! Join a movement that’s already brought thousands of letters to seniors and help spread love and connection in your community.

 
 

How it works

 
  • A volunteer mailbox keeper sets up and maintains a mailbox

  • They collect and deliver letters to a local senior community regularly

  • Love For Our Elders provides support, letter-writing materials, a map listing, and more

 
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Start a mailbox in your community: 3 steps

A volunteer “mailbox keeper” sets up and maintains a permanent collection box in a community space, inviting others to write uplifting notes for seniors. The box should be easily accessible and clearly labeled with instructions. Volunteers check on the box periodically (about once a month) and deliver the letters to local senior communities.

  • Select a spot where lots of people will see it in a community space, whether that’s a library, community center, cafe, local business, etc. Make sure you have permission from the property owner!

    Where to set up your mailbox

  • Got carpentry skills? Build your own mailbox from scratch. Otherwise, purchase a collection box and decorate, or start with something simple like a shoebox and design something permanent later! Think through whether you’d like to include any stationery or pens by your mailbox, and whether you’d like a container to hold them or build a holder as part of your mailbox.

    Recommendations for making or buying a mailbox

  • Once your mailbox is set up, register to become a part of our Dear Elder Mailbox network!

    By registering, you’ll get:
    ✅ A charter number and certificate
    ✅ A spot on the official Dear Elder Mailbox map
    ✅ Unlimited free blank handmade cards & envelopes
    ✅ Access to our directory of senior communities
    ✅ A custom press release to spread the word
    ✅ A Mailbox Keeper Toolkit and ongoing support from Love For Our Elders

    Register your mailbox

 

Maintain a mailbox: Keep the love flowing!

 

You’ve set up your mailbox, and now it’s time to make sure it stays a hub of kindness and connection! Here’s how you can keep your mailbox inviting, fun, and full of love (with minimal effort)!

  • Check your mailbox as often as needed, depending on its size and activity. Gather the letters, ensure they follow our guidelines, and deliver them to a local senior community— if you don’t have one in mind, use Google or our directory of communities that have expressed interested in our letters. Before dropping them off, contact the community to confirm they’d like to receive them.
    Access our senior community directory

  • Some mailbox keepers choose to stock their mailbox with letter-writing materials—and we’re here to help! A partner nonprofit is offering blank handmade stationery to make letter-writing easy for mailbox visitors.
    Request free, blank handmade cards and envelopes

  • Spread the word about your mailbox! Talk to people, post on social media, or host letter-writing events. The more people know about it, the more love it will collect.

    Share a Dear Elder Mailbox press release

  • For additional guidance, check out: Dear Elder Mailbox Keeper Toolkit

 
 

Explore our Dear Elder Mailbox map

 
The mailbox makes it easy for busy community members to take a moment and support older adults.
— Adi B., a Dear Elder Mailbox Keeper
 
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